People inspired by rational-choice theory are advocating choice policies. Their recommendations are based on implicit assumptions about how school leaders would respond to a choice system. This survey research study investigated the demographic characteristics of open and closed districts during Ohio's first year of full interdistrict open enrollment. It also investigated the reasons superintendents gave for their district's decision to open or remain closed. The following demographic characteristics typified open districts: declining enrollment, rural location, low enrollment, racial homogeneity, and/or below-average per pupil expenditure. In contrast, closed districts were typified by above-average per pupil expenditure, suburban location, growing enrollment, and/or a minority enrollment of 11 to 20 percent. The superintendents indicated that lack of space and financial considerations (not academic quality) were their major concerns. These findings partially supported the assumptions of rational-choice theorists, but also suggested that those assumptions may not be valid in areas where significant social stratification along income and race lines has occurred. Included are an abstract, 27 references, and 2 appendices containing the survey questionnaire and tabular data. (MLH)